If your preferred way to caffeinate is to sip on some matcha, you’re not alone. The bright green tea is a popular alternative to coffee and can be found on most coffee shop menus. There are even several shops dedicated to serving different types of matcha lattes and beverages. The tea is also quite popular on social media, with influencers whipping up their matcha drinks or sharing their favorite matcha products.
In fact, matcha has become so popular that The Japan Times reports that there may be a global matcha shortage this spring. Here’s everything you need to know about the shortage. But first, a little primer on what matcha even is.
SKIP AHEAD What is matcha | Why is a global matcha shortage being predicted? | Matcha products to try while they’re still in stock | Why trust NBC Select
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What is matcha?
As mentioned, matcha is a type of tea. It comes in powder form and is made from finely ground Japanese green tea leaves. What makes it different from regular green tea is that the trees from which matcha is harvested are shaded for weeks before harvesting every spring. Once picked, the leaves are then steamed, dried and then ground into powder, which is what is used to make tea or lattes. It is very high in antioxidants, which protect against cell damage.
Matcha has a grassy, slightly bitter taste with a hint of sweetness. It also contains a good amount of caffeine — up to 176 milligrams in one cup, depending on its concentration. In comparison, a cup of coffee has about 100 milligrams of caffeine.
Why is a global matcha shortage being predicted?
In their article on a potential matcha shortage, The Japan Times cites information from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, which has stated that matcha production increased from 1,471 tons to 4,176 tons between 2010 and 2013 — and that half of the matcha produced in Japan is exported internationally.
The newspaper also reports that increased buzz on social media around matcha and a more general awareness around the health benefits of various foods and beverages have created such a demand for matcha that it may cause a shortage this spring.
Some good news: The Global Japanese Tea Association predicts the shortage won’t last forever. They say that because matcha can only be harvested in the spring, by the following winter, it is not unusual for there to be a bit of a shortage and that the harvest this spring should help to replenish the green powder. Furthermore, the Japanese government is offering new subsidies to help tea growers focus on producing more matcha to prevent shortages going forward.
Matcha products to try (while they’re still in stock)
Chamberlain Coffee Matcha
Chamberlain Coffee offers ceremonial-grade matcha that is harvested in Shizouka, Japan. The organic powder can be mixed with hot water to make tea or milk for a latte and it comes in a tin that can make up to 30 cups.
Clevr Matcha SuperLatte
This matcha powder also contains adaptogens, mushrooms and probiotics and is blended with monk fruit for added sweetness, according to the brand. Along with the regular matcha flavor, you can get honey vanilla matcha, honey pistachio matcha or honey lavender matcha.
Jade Leaf Matcha Organic Cafe Style Sweetened Matcha Latte Mix
NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio has tried this matcha latte mix and says it has a nice amount of sweetness added to cancel out any bitterness from the matcha. This bag comes with 10 individual packets of matcha, making it easy to keep in a desk drawer or take with you when traveling.
Naoki Matcha Superior Ceremonial Blend
This matcha powder is ground to be extra fine so that it dissolves quickly in whatever you’re mixing it with, according to the brand. It’s harvested from shade-grown trees for 8 weeks and one bag contains 25 servings. This blend has a 4.5-star average rating from 5,921 reviews on Amazon.
Golde Pure Matcha
This matcha is shade-grown and harvested in Uji, Japan, according to the brand. It can be used to make hot or cold beverages and has zero added sugar — so if you prefer your matcha lattes sweet, you’ll need to add your sweetener.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle.
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